Boston Marathon casualty count raised to 176

The two explosions at the Boston Marathon caused 176 casualties, including three deaths and 17 critical injuries, the city’s police commissioner said at a press conference Tuesday.

By Patrick Ronan

The Patriot Ledger, Quincy, MA

By Patrick Ronan

Posted Apr. 16, 2013 at 12:01 AM
Updated Apr 16, 2013 at 4:15 PM

By Patrick Ronan

Posted Apr. 16, 2013 at 12:01 AM
Updated Apr 16, 2013 at 4:15 PM

BOSTON

» Social News

The two explosions at the Boston Marathon caused 176 casualties, including three deaths and 17 critical injuries, the city’s police commissioner said at a press conference Tuesday.

Boston Police Commissioner Edward Davis said federal, state and city officials were still in the early stages of the most “complex crime scene in the history of our department.” Richard DesLauriers, the special agent in charge of the FBI’s Boston office, would not say whether authorities had anyone in custody in connection with the bombings.

Massachusetts State Police said that a search warrant related to the investigation into the explosions was served Monday night in Revere, but no further details were provided. DesLauriers would not comment on any specifics of the investigation.

Davis and DesLauriers addressed reporters Tuesday morning at the Westin Hotel at Copley Place. Gov. Deval Patrick, Boston Mayor Thomas Menino and U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren were among the other speakers.

Officials have confirmed that three people have died from the marathon bombings, which went off at shortly before 3 p.m. Monday near the finish line on Boylston Street. One of the victims has been identified as 8-year-old Martin Richard from Dorchester.

As of 10 a.m. Tuesday, Davis said 12 blocks around Copley Place were still closed off to the public as part of the investigation. That number dropped from the 15 blocks that were reportedly closed earlier Tuesday.

Officials said the on-site investigation requiring road closures will last several more days, at least, but Davis encouraged Boston-area residents to live their normal lives, but just with more vigilance.

“There’s no reason not to come into the city,” Davis said.

The FBI is encouraging residents who have any information about the explosions to call the agency’s hotline at 1-800-494-TIPS. Davis said any spectators or runners who have pictures or video taken at the finish line area around the time of yesterday’s blasts should call the tips line and arrange to send along their media. He said even images that appear insignificant could provide crucial information to investigators.

“Our mission is clear: to bring to justice those responsible for the marathon bombings,” DesLauriers said. “The American public wants answers. The citizens of the city of Boston and of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts want and deserve answers.”